Notice

Installers should be craftsmen with construction experience. Installers should read the instructions and follow all OSHA and other safety requirements. StonePly panels are a finished natural stone product. Use care to protect them during installation.

Installation Supplies and Tools

Wall Construction

Check the installation surface to ensure it is flat and true before beginning work. The wall behind the panels should be designed and installed for a maximum deflection of L/240. Framing must be erected plumb and true with no bowing or bumps. The maximum variation from a true plane should not exceed 1/8 inch in 10 feet.

Panel Storage, Staging, and Handling

Stone panels should be stored in a clean, dry area. While StonePly panels are strong and impact resistant, keep in mind that they are a finished product. The natural stone facing can be chipped at the edges and softer stones can be scratched. Limestone, marble, travertine, and other softer stones can be stained by dirt, mud, or construction materials. As they are removed from their crates, StonePly stone panels should be placed on carpet, foam, or other padded surface to protect the stone edges. Also consider laying the uncrated stone panels out in the order they are to be installed to speed up the process and minimize mistakes.

Temporary Panel Support

Depending on the application, temporary support may be needed while the adhesive dries. StonePly stone panels may be held in place using foam double stick tape (Norton V-2200 or V-2800 Series Thermal-bond or equal). A range of tape thickness, from 1/16" to 1/4" should be used to adjust for minor variations in stone thickness. A 1/16" minimum thickness controls adhesive depth. After panels are unpacked, measure panel thickness and apply 1/16" tape. Apply a greater thickness of tape where panel thickness is less.

Provide gravity support with temporary shims at the bottom of each panel.

As an alternate to double stick tape, screws with a large washer can be used at the panel joints. The large washer pulls the adjacent panel edges into alignment. Do not over tighten. The temporary screws should remain in place until the adhesive is fully cured.

Applying the Adhesive

Be sure surfaces are clean and dry. Remove protective film from the stone panel. Apply adhesive per manufacturer's recommendations, as each panel is set. The adhesive bead should be 1/2" or larger. As the panel is pressed into place, the adhesive will be squeezed to the tape thickness of 1/16" to 1/4" thickness. Apply walnut sized dabs of adhesive, starting 3" from the edge and approximately 8" on center.

Installing

1. Using the shop drawings, tape, and a laser level, mark the exact positions of panels on the wall. Check to ensure that each panel edge will have support.
2. Using a laser, find the most outward point of the framing. This will be the installing "plane," and all panels will need to be shimmed out to that level.
3. Using string lines or a rotating laser, mark a distance at least two inches from the most outward point of the wall as the reference line to measure back from to establish the setting plane for all of the StonePly stone panel faces.
4. Set a StonePly stone panel in place, lean it forward, apply the adhesive, and then set the panel.

Tips

• Use tile shims for spacing between panels
• Start with the bottom row of stone panels and work up
• Be aware that when the double back tape makes contact, it will be difficult to move the panel
• Installation can progress vertically or horizontally depending on how the panels are lain out
• Use care when aligning the stone panel joints, shimming as necessary to maintain the installing plane

Disclaimer

These are general guidelines, not full instructions. Every job is different and a competent, experienced professional, skilled in construction, carpentry, safety and proper use of tools should direct the work.